The human mind

The human mind is the area of reason and decision-making

Nelson’s Topical Bible Index Explains it as a persons’s:

Perceptions, Remembrances

Reasonings, Feelings

Desires, Intents

Purposes

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Mind

Man’s intellectual processes in a narrow sense or, more broadly, the sum total of a man’s mental and moral state of being.

Tyndale Bible Dictionary Mind

the “mind” denotes a person’s thoughts

Tyndale Bible Dictionary (Mind)

“mind” is used in a broader sense that includes the entire mental and moral process or state of being of a human

Tyndale Bible Dictionary Mind

Whether a person is good or evil depends on the state of the mind

Tyndale Bible Dictionary Mind

The state of a person depends upon what or who controls the mind. Romans 8:6–7 speaks of a person’s mind being controlled either by the flesh or by the Spirit. The person whose mind is controlled by the flesh is evil. The mind controlled by the Spirit leads to good.

Tyndale Bible Dictionary Mind

People whose minds are controlled by the “god of this world” will have their minds darkened and will not be able to understand the world as it really

Tyndale Bible Dictionary Mind

For Paul, the action of conversion is considered to be a “renewing of the mind” (Rom 12:2; Eph 4:23). In both cases, the process is one whereby God takes control of the mind of a person through the Holy Spirit and leads the thoughts of that person into proper channels. Thus, the renewed person is given power to make proper value judgments. Such people have new minds with which to make spiritual discernments

Job 12:1–3 (NKJV)

Then Job answered and said:

“No doubt you are the people,

And wisdom will die with you!

But I have understanding as well as you;

I am not inferior to you.

Indeed, who does not know such things as these?

See also 1 Ch 17:2; 2 Ch 7:11; Ne 5:7; Ps 19:14; Ps 49:3; Pr 15:28; Pr 19:21; Ec 2:3; Ec 8:16; Da 4:16; Da 5:12; Da 7:1; Ro 10:10; Ro 14:5; 1 Co 14:14–15; 1 Pe 1:13; Re 17:9

The fallen human mind

The human mind is fatally flawed by sin

Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

See also Ge 6:5; Ge 8:21; 2 Ch 12:14; Ps 5:9; Ps 64:6; Ps 73:7; Is 32:6; Je 17:1; Ro 8:5–8; Eph 4:17–18

Even the fallen mind can know something of God through creation

Romans 1:19–20 NKJV

because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

The fallen mind tends to confuse the Creator with his creation

Isaiah 44:16–18 (NKJV)

He burns half of it in the fire;

With this half he eats meat;

He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.

He even warms himself and says,

“Ah! I am warm,

I have seen the fire.”

And the rest of it he makes into a god,

His carved image.

He falls down before it and worships it,

Prays to it and says,

“Deliver me, for you are my god!”

They do not know nor understand;

For He has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see,

And their hearts, so that they cannot understand.

See also Ro 1:21–25

Consequences of the human mind’s sinfulness

Sinful attitudes lead to sinful words and actions

Matthew 15:19 AMP

For out of the heart come evil thoughts (reasonings and disputings and designs) such as murder, adultery, sexual vice, theft, false witnessing, slander, and irreverent speech.

See also Ro 1:28–32; Eph 4:17–19; Col 2:18; 1 Ti 6:5; 2 Ti 3:8

Sinfulness leads to death

Romans 2:5 NKJV

But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

See also Ro 6:23; Col 1:21

Doubt and instability

James 1:6–8 NKJV

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

God can change the attitudes of the sinful human mind

The mind can be convicted of sin

Psalm 51:3 (AMP)

For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me.

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 4. A Call to Repentance Is an Essential Part of Gospel Proclamation

true repentance will also involve faith in Christ for forgiveness of sins

See also 1 Ki 2:44; Jn 16:8–11

The mind can be changed

1 Thessalonians 1:9 (NKJV)

For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) (3. Repentance Involves More than a Change of Mind)

“change one’s mind” as the first possible meaning of the verb metanoeō (“to repent”), but it is significant that they do not list any New Testament verse as having that particular meaning. Rather, they put every New Testament passage under the second meaning, “feel remorse, repent, be converted (in religio-ethical sense).” They then go on to give many New Testament examples and include this statement: “Since in metanoeō the negative impulse of turning away is dominant, it is also used with apo tinos

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) (3. Repentance Involves More than a Change of Mind)

repent and turn away from something” (examples given include repenting from wickedness, from lawlessness, and with the similar phrase ek tinos, repenting of murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, and thefts).” These statements are consistent with the idea that repentance includes a conscious inward resolve to turn from sin.

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 3. Repentance Involves More than a Change of Mind

The Greek lexicon by Louw and Nida defines metanoeō and metanoia as “to change one’s way of life as the result of a complete change of attitude with regard to sin and righteousness,” and they further explain that in the New Testament the emphasis “seems to be more specifically in the total change, both in thought and behavior, with respect to how one should both think and act

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 3. Repentance Involves More than a Change of Mind

“change your mind” but includes nuances of remorse for sin and a resolve to change one’s conduct

See also 2 Ch 32:26; Job 42:6; Ps 119:36; Ac 2:37; Ac 26:17–18

It is God who enlightens the mind

2 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

See also Dt 29:4 God may withhold understanding; 1 Sa 10:9; Job 38:36; Is 32:4; Je 24:7; Je 31:33; Je 32:39; Eze 11:19; Eze 18:31; Eze 36:26–27; Ro 2:4; 2 Co 3:14

It is God who renews the human mind

Psalm 51:10 NKJV

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

See also Tt 3:3–7

The renewed mind of the believer

Romans 12:1–2 AMP

I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Renewal brings knowledge of God

Colossians 1:9–10 NKJV

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Renewal brings peace

Philippians 4:7 NKJV

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

See also Is 26:3

Renewal leads to obedience

Romans 8:5 NKJV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

See also Ro 7:25; Ro 12:1–2; Col 1:10; Col 3:1–2; 1 Pe 1:13; Heb 8:10; Heb 10:16; Je 31:33

The believer’s mind needs growth and renewal

2 Corinthians 11:3 NKJV

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

See also Ro 7:22–23; Eph 1:17; Col 1:9